The Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (LICADD) is honored to be the recipient of a $5,000 grant from The Framingham Foundation. The grant will support the delivery of Too Good for Drugs – an evidence-based prevention program – in local schools.

Established in 2001 by John S. Mahon, The Framingham Foundation is a private family foundation that works with various non-profit organizations on Long Island that focus on the needs of children and families. Though now retired, Mr. Mahon continues to be an active philanthropist by promoting a healthier Long Island and giving back to the community. “After learning about how this program reduced the initiation of smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol, using other drugs such as marijuana, we were convinced that LICADD was the right organization to support our mission,” said Framingham Foundation President Denise Pearsall. “The Framingham Foundation believes whether it is drugs, alcohol, cyber-bullying, or abuse, the children of Long Island deserve a chance – a chance that allows them to be the next generation that enjoys the quality of life Long Island has to offer,” she added.

Drug and alcohol abuse is 100% preventable. Too Good For Drugs (TGFD) is a prevention program for young people in kindergarten through 12th grade. The curriculum builds on students’ resiliency by educating them about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse. LICADD’s goal is to train and encourage our youth to be knowledgeable and independent decision makers. Education is also the first step in addressing the misconception that addiction is a personal weakness and the best means possible for reducing the stigma attached to the disease.

“We are so thankful that The Framingham Foundation took the time to research LICADD’s services and decided to support our school-based educational programs,” said LICADD Executive Director, Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds. ”As addiction weighs heavily on Long Island, the demand from schools for evidence-based quality prevention programs is unprecedented. These funds will enable us to deliver the Too Good for Drugs curriculum to more kids in more schools, ultimately saving more families from the pain associated with drug and alcohol abuse. This grant couldn’t come at a better time.”

About LICADD

LICADD is Long Island’s premier nonprofit agency providing life-saving alcohol and drug prevention and intervention services to at-risk children, individuals, and families across the region. With offices in Mineola, Ronkonkoma and Riverhead, LICADD conducts screenings, brief interventions, referrals to treatment and relapse prevention services to individuals and families impacted by substance abuse. The agency also conducts evidence-based prevention programs, community outreach initiatives, and a mentoring program for children of incarcerated parents and public policy advocacy. More information about LICADD’s services is available online at www.licadd.org.